Lot details
Registration No: AHZ 3667
Chassis No: HBJ8-L/27092
Mot Expiry: T.B.A.

Donald Healey's eponymous company built a prototype two-seater sports car for display at the 1952 London Motor Show. It was based on Austin A90 Atlantic mechanicals and sported a sleek body designed by Gerry Coker and built by Tickford. It was dubbed the 'Healey Hundred' (a moniker chosen to reflect the car's ability to reach 100mph), and, subject to a suitably encouraging response, Healey planned to build production versions in-house at his factory in Warwick. As things transpired, not only did the Ice Blue prototype more than impress the public, but also so excited Austin's Managing Director, Leonard Lord, that he struck a deal to build the car in volume at Longbridge. The newcomer was renamed the Austin Healey 100. The rest, as they say, is history. The 'Big' Healey enjoyed steady development with the four-cylinder cars giving way to the 100-Six of 1956, which was replaced by the first of the 3000s in 1959. The final iteration was the 3000 MKIII 2+2, which was launched in October 1963 and remained in production until the end of 1967. The most powerful and luxurious of all the derivatives, it had lively performance courtesy of its 150bhp straight-six engine and featured such niceties as wind-up windows and a walnut-veneer facia.

The 'Big' Healey being sold is a 1964 3000 MKIII model that's finished in Yellow with a Black interior. Originally an export left-hand drive example, it is understood to have been repatriated in the '90s and both converted to right-hand drive and restored by well known marque specialists M.P.H of Blockley, Glos. The total cost of the work, including the reconditioning of the engine and gearbox, was some £18,000, since when this very pretty car has apparently driven a mere 1,000 miles. 'AHZ 2667' comes complete with a history file and Heritage Certificate.

PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle has an MOT certificate expiring 17/02/2012 and not as printed in the catalogue.